1200mm Baths: The Ultimate Guide for Small Australian Bathrooms
Got a bathroom the size of a shoebox? Yep, we hear you. It's a classic Aussie reno problem. You dream of a proper bath, a place to really unwind, but one look at your floor plan makes it seem impossible. You feel stuck with just a shower. But hold on a minute. What if you could have your soak and your space too? This is where the 1200mm bath strolls in and saves the day. It's the compact hero for bathrooms that are a bit squeezed for room, and here at The Blue Space, we reckon they're one of the cleverest bits of design you can put in your home.
So, What is a 1200mm Bath, Really?
It’s not complicated. A 1200mm bath is just that—a bathtub that's 1.2 metres long. Your average bath in Australia is usually around 1.5 to 1.7 metres, so this is a fair bit shorter. But don't let the numbers fool you. These tubs aren't just scaled-down big baths; they're designed from the ground up to be comfortable and functional in tight spots. Think of it less as a compromise and more as a specialist tool. It's about getting that little slice of luxury into a space that otherwise couldn't handle it. It's proof that a good soak doesn't need a giant room.
Who's Actually Buying These? Real-Life Scenarios
You’d be surprised how many situations call for a smaller tub. They are renovation problem-solvers, and we see them go into all sorts of homes for very smart reasons.
Inner-city apartments are the prime candidate. When every square metre counts, whacking in a huge bath can make the whole room feel cramped. A 1200mm model lets you have a proper family bathroom, often with a shower over it, without eating all your precious floor space. Suddenly, you have room for a decent vanity or some much-needed storage.
They are an absolute winner for ensuites, too. So many people want that private little sanctuary, but don't want to sacrifice half their bedroom to get it. A compact bath gives you that touch of hotel luxury, a spot to de-stress away from the rest of the house, without a massive footprint.
And for families? A godsend. If you have young kids, you'll know that bath time in a massive tub can be a mission. A smaller bath is just perfect for little bodies. It uses way less water, it's easier to reach across, and it feels a bit safer and more contained for them. It just makes the nightly routine that little bit easier.
We also see them used in guest bathrooms or granny flats. It adds a feature that makes the space more comfortable and valuable for visitors, without dominating a room that might not be used every single day. It’s a thoughtful, practical touch.
Let's Talk Types: So Many Choices!
Being small doesn't mean being boring. The world of bathtubs is huge, and the 1200mm size comes in almost every style you can think of. You can absolutely find one that matches the vibe you're going for.
How It Sits in the Room: Installation Styles
The way the bath is installed makes a huge difference to the look of your room. You've got options.
Freestanding
Yep, even in this size! A compact freestanding bath is a real showstopper. It makes a small bathroom feel incredibly deliberate and high-end. It becomes a piece of sculpture. Many are deeper than standard tubs, giving a fantastic, upright soak. Just make sure you can get a mop around it!
Back to Wall
This might be the cleverest design of all. A back to wall bath gives you that clean, solid look of a freestanding model, but it sits flush against a wall. No dusty, hard-to-reach gap behind it. It’s a space-saver with a modern, minimalist feel.
Corner
When every centimetre is a battle, a corner bath can be your secret weapon. It fits into a spot that's often just dead space, and their shape can sometimes offer a surprisingly roomy feel inside.
Built-in
The old faithful. A built-in bath is set into a tiled frame, or a hob. This gives you a really seamless look and a handy ledge for all your bits and pieces. It's often the most budget-friendly way to go.
Shower Bath
The perfect two-for-one. Shower baths have a wider, flat-bottomed end for comfortable showering. A 1200mm model means you can have both a great shower and a relaxing bath in the one spot. No compromises.
Island Bath
An island bath is like a built-in bath but designed to be a centrepiece, tiled around on all sides. It creates a solid, permanent-looking feature that can look amazing.
Spa Bath
Think you can't have jets in a small tub? Think again. Some clever designs pack hydrotherapy jets into a compact frame. Our range of spa baths includes options that prove you can have a powerful massage even in a small space.
The Feel of It: Bath Materials
The stuff your bath is made from matters. It affects the look, how long your water stays warm, and how heavy the thing is.
Acrylic
The crowd favourite. And for good reason. Acrylic baths are light, making them a dream to get into apartments or upstairs bathrooms. The material itself isn't cold to touch and it's great at holding heat. Plus, it's a breeze to clean. A solid, reliable choice.
Stone
If you want that 'wow' factor, a stone bath is hard to beat. Made from a composite mix, they feel incredibly solid and luxurious, and they keep your water warm for ages. They look and feel expensive. The only catch? They are seriously heavy. You absolutely must check if your floor can take the weight. Talk to your builder.
Steel Enamel
These are tough as nails. A steel bath with an enamel coating is super resistant to scratches and dings. It has a classic, bright glossy look that's easy to keep sparkling clean. It might feel a bit cool at first, but it warms up in a flash.
Your Personal Stamp: Shapes & Colours
This is the fun part, where you can match the bath to your style.
Shape
The simple rectangular bath is the most space-savvy. But a soft oval bath can make a small room feel less boxy. For something a bit different, you can find square or even deep round models that feel like a private hot tub. A classic slipper bath offers amazing back support, and the latest trend for fluted baths adds texture and shadow that looks incredible.
Colour
A crisp, glossy white bath is timeless. It bounces light around and makes any space feel bigger. But if you're feeling bold, a matte black bath is pure drama and sophistication. And for a warmer, more natural vibe, the new clay and stone colours are just beautiful.
The Upside of Downsizing Your Tub
Going for a 1200mm bath isn't just a space-saving move. There are other perks that make it a seriously smart decision.
Your Floor Plan Will Thank You
This is the big one, of course. Our range of small baths literally gives you back floor space. That might mean you can now fit in that double vanity you wanted, or a tallboy for linen storage, or just have a room that feels more open and less cluttered. It lets the room breathe.
Kinder on Your Bills (and the Planet)
It's simple maths: a smaller tub needs less water to fill up. That's a win for your water bill, and it's a win for the environment. It also means your hot water system uses less energy to heat the water. Over the years, those little savings really add up. It's a choice that's both eco-friendly and wallet-friendly.
The Perfect 'Japanese-Style' Soak
Don't mistake 'short' for 'shallow'. Many 1200mm tubs are designed to be extra deep. This gives you a different kind of bathing experience. It's more of an upright, immersive soak where the water comes right up to your shoulders. It's incredibly relaxing and therapeutic. Think of it as your own personal plunge pool.
Less Time Cleaning, More Time Soaking
Nobody loves cleaning the bathroom. A smaller bath has less surface area, which means less to scrub. It's quicker, it's easier, and it means you can spend more of your precious time actually enjoying your bathroom instead of just maintaining it.
Things You Might Not Think About (But Should)
Alright, you’re almost ready. But let’s cover a few final practicalities to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Taps and Plugs
Where are the taps going to live? For a built-in bath, they can be mounted on the tiled edge. For a freestanding tub, you'll need either taps that come out of the wall or a tall, floor-mounted "bath filler". This is a big decision that affects your plumbing, so you need to plan it from day one. Also, check where the plug hole is. It's usually at one end, but can be in the middle, which affects which way you lie.
Can Your Floor Handle It?
This is a non-negotiable, especially for stone baths. A lightweight acrylic bath is one thing, but a heavy stone one, plus 150 litres of water, plus you... that's a lot of weight. If you're putting it on a second floor or in an older home, get your builder to double-check the floor joists. You need to be 100% sure it's properly supported.
The Delivery Day Shuffle
This sounds obvious, but you'd be amazed. Before you order, grab a tape measure and check your front door, your hallway, and any tight corners. While a 1200mm bath is small, some have wide, curved shapes. Just make sure you can physically get the thing into the bathroom! A five-minute check can save a world of pain.
Brands We Trust
We're pretty picky about the brands we stock. We want stuff that looks great, works perfectly, and lasts. When it comes to 1200mm baths, we've got some crackers.
- Caroma: A true Aussie icon. You can always count on them for solid, no-fuss quality and clever, practical designs.
-
Decina: These guys are specialists in acrylic baths. They're known for making really comfortable shapes that are built to last.
-
Kaskade Stone: For that top-of-the-line, luxurious stone finish, Kaskade delivers with some absolutely beautiful designs.
-
Fienza: Always on-trend, Fienza has a great eye for modern styles, including some really sharp-looking compact freestanding tubs.
-
ADP: Architectural Designer Products make beautiful gear right here in Australia, and their baths have that clean, contemporary look down pat.
And that's not all. We've also got great options from brands like Turner Hastings, Bao, BelBagno, and Clark, so you're bound to find something you love.
So, Is a 1200mm Bath for You?
At the end of the day, having a small bathroom doesn't mean you have to ditch the dream of a bath. The 1200mm tub is a smart, stylish solution that punches well above its weight. It can turn a purely functional bathroom into a little retreat. So if you're planning a reno, don't just write off the idea of a bath. Have a look through our collection and see how a small tub could make a big difference to your home.
